Souvenir of a Hiatus

[rabidsamfan]

At the last moment he hesitated, in spite of having warmed himself for months with the thought of Watson's astonishment. But there was neither sense nor logic in having hauled the battered tin box halfway 'round the world just to hide it away beneath the bed, or turn it over to the untender mercies of a pawnbroker.

For what would no doubt be the last time he ran a sensitive hand across the painted name, and wished that he had found the papers it had once held. There was nothing left inside but memories. Pray God they were good ones.

Comments

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Well done. Let Sherlock have the dispatch box and give it back to its rightful owner.

Reminds me a little bit of the real-life journey I made in the South of England while on vacation in 1995. One particular day I took 2 trains and 2 buses, and walked 6 miles on foot (along roads with no sidewalks, only ditches with roadkilled badgers in the New Forest) to reach the tiny village of Minstead, to go up to the little church and into the churchyard, through the oak trees and wild ponies, to the back of the yard...

All so that I could bring back to a dear friend, a devout Sherlockian, an acorn that had been on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's grave.

[lame-pegasus.livejournal.com]

I'm at a complete loss what this lovely drabble is about... but there's the Victorian box! *huge smile*

[rubynye.livejournal.com]

Yes, this is exactly my reaction. :)

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

I'm playing off the idea that Watson lost his dispatch box (it's mentioned in one of the stories that his name is painted on it) in the chaos of the battle of Maiwand, which I put into "Decided Genius". The idea that Holmes might find it when he's wandering in the east after Reichenbach appeals to me. (yes, this comment shows up twice, but I'm answering two different people!)

[pebbles66.livejournal.com]

This comment was not meant for me, but thanks for the explanation. That makes things a lot more clear. I'd forgotten that you mentioned his papers were lost in "Decided Genius." Very thoughtful of Holmes to bring the box back to Watson!

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

I'm playing off the idea that Watson lost his dispatch box (it's mentioned in one of the stories that his name is painted on it) in the chaos of the battle of Maiwand, which I put into "Decided Genius". The idea that Holmes might find it when he's wandering in the east after Reichenbach appeals to me.

[lame-pegasus.livejournal.com]

Ah. Not my sandbox, but it's nice to watch you playing in this one. *smiles*

[pebbles66.livejournal.com]

Lovely! I can see how that picture from the auction inspired you!

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

Actually, the idea for the drabble inspired me to go looking for pictures...